Tag: Health

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3 Reasons to Return To Using Dry Soap

Dry soap is the traditional shower soap. It comes in bar form and helps dissolve dirt on your skin's surface, allowing you to rinse it away. Still, people have migrated toward liquid soaps in recent years. Is that the best choice?

Reasons To Choose Dry Soap Over Liquid Soap

There are many reasons to choose a body wash or liquid soap for your shower time. For example, liquid soaps are often better for dry skin or gentler for sensitive skin types and conditions. However, despite the advantages of liquid soaps over dry soaps in specific situations, dry soap or bar soap, as it is more commonly referred to, also has benefits over liquid varieties.

1. Bar Soap Is Better for the Environment

Bar soaps create less waste than liquid soaps in production and distribution. Manufacturers typically package bar soap in an eco-friendly, recyclable container. Other than the box, there is no additional waste.

Not only do liquid soaps come in plastic containers, which are worse for the environment, but the soaps may also contain harmful ingredients. Some body washes use microbeads, which have a negative impact on the environment. The problem is so significant that some governments ban the ingredients completely.

2. Bar Soap Contains Fewer Ingredients and Allergens

While some bar soaps can contain many ingredients, most will have fewer than liquid soaps. Liquid options often require preservatives to make them shelf stable, but bar soaps do not, meaning they are usually paraben-free. Also, it is easier for manufacturers to make dry soaps with herbal or all-natural ingredients, meaning soaps can be hypoallergenic.

3. Bar Soap Is Antibacterial

Many people fear bar soaps might contain more harmful bacteria than other soaps because they sit out. Despite the concerns, many studies prove that bar soap presents a limited risk of bacterial contamination. However, experts still recommend people not share their dry soap with anyone else, including members of their household.

Focus On Ingredients

Regardless of the soap you choose for bathing, you should review the ingredients. While all soaps must adhere to regulatory guidelines, there are some ingredients that are OK for soap-making that you might still want to avoid. Also, there are ingredients you want to see on the label of whatever soap you buy.

Good Ingredients

There are several ingredients a quality soap should contain. Glycerin, a plant-based cleanser, helps moisturize your skin by sealing moisture into the skin barrier; it accomplishes this without stripping away natural oils.

Exfoliants are also necessary because they help remove dead skin cells and debris. Some quality exfoliants include oatmeal, black walnut shells, ground apricot pits, etc.

Finally, moisturizing oils are crucial to dry soap production. The most popular oils include coconut oil and sweet almond oil. Coconut butter and shea butter are also excellent moisturizing options.

Bad Ingredients

Avoid soaps with powerful antibacterial agents in them. The FDA banned Triclosan in 2016 because of adverse effects. However, if you buy imported soaps, they may still contain the antibacterial agent.

Soaps may also contain parabens and allergens. Parabens may contribute to specific health conditions. If a soap contains a "fragrance" or "perfume," be leery, especially if you have allergies.

Ultimately, the soap you use is a personal choice. However, dry soap, or bar soap, is an eco-friendly option.

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What You Should Know About Topical Products vs Supplements

I don’t know about you, but I love supplements. I eat a pretty healthy diet, but I still find that supplementing with specific nutrients can help boost my energy levels and immune function. But one thing that’s always been confusing to me is why there are so many different supplement forms (including tablets, gel caps, powders, liquids, topical creams and gels, and even injections).

There are some products I take (such as hyaluronic acid and vitamins) that come in both topical and supplement forms. I wanted to know if one of these options is better than the other, so I decided to do some research. Here’s what I found out about the difference between topical products and internal supplements.

Topical Product Overview

Some topical products claim to provide the same benefits internal supplements provide. If you don’t like to swallow pills or you dislike the taste of common supplements, it may sound appealing to simply slather nutrients onto your skin and enjoy the same benefits. But do topical products really work as well as consumable supplements?

The answer is a bit complicated. It’s true that the products you apply topically can penetrate your skin. That’s why it’s so important to avoid lotions and creams that contain harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde and phthalates. As long as the lotion or cream you’re applying is thing enough to penetrate your skin barrier, it will get into your body.

So it stands to reason that the nutrients in topical supplements will also be able to make their way into your body. The problem is that any formula you apply to your skin needs to be within a certain pH range to avoid causing skin flushing and irritation. If any product you apply has a pH much higher or lower than pH6, you’ll likely experience some type of unwanted skin reaction.

Benefits of Topical Products

In addition to being easier to use than capsules or pills that you have to swallow or powders and liquids you have to taste, topical products have another benefit. They can help you avoid certain side effects associated with consumable nutritional supplements.

For example, people with sensitive stomachs often struggle to take vitamins because they can cause feelings of nausea. For some people, nausea caused by supplements can be so severe that they end up throwing up their supplements (which defeats the purpose of taking them in the first place!) Topical products are not associated with this side effect.

Overview of Traditional Supplements

Traditional supplements have provided people with great results for years. They come in capsule, tablet, powder and liquid forms. In general, the softer the form, the more bioavailable it is for your body. This just means that your body can absorb the nutrients in powders and liquids more quickly and easily than it can absorb the nutrients in capsules and tablets. Your stomach acid has to dissolve the outer portion of capsules and tablets before your body can utilize the goodies inside.

Benefits of Traditional Supplements

Traditional supplements can offer a lot of benefits to your body. Your body breaks them down in your digestive tract and pulls out the nutrients it needs. This is the same way your body extracts nutrients from the foods you eat. It’s a natural process that is quite remarkable when you think about it.

Generally, nourishing your body from the inside out is the ideal way to do things. But if you have sensitivities to internal supplements or if you want to use supplements that improve your skin, topical products may work better for you. I personally prefer internal supplements for most things, but I encourage you to try both types to find out what works best for you!

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Macchiato Versus Latte: Which Drink Is Healthier?

When discussing the differences in espresso-based coffee beverages, it is essential to understand the problem of viewing those differences through an American lens. Most American coffee shops will have interpretations of standard espresso-based drinks. Still, when you look at popular chains, such as Starbucks, there is little difference between a macchiato and a latte. However, there should be a significant difference between these two drinks, and there is a noticeable one when visiting coffee shops in Rome or Venice. 

Therefore, to help compare the differences between a macchiato and a latte, it is crucial to examine the drinks from an aficionado's perspective. It is necessary to look at the drinks by definition and benefits.

What Is a Macchiato?

A macchiato is an espresso-based drink. What sets it apart from other coffee beverages is that it uses only a little milk or milk foam. In traditional shops, a macchiato will only consist of two ingredients: a shot of espresso and a splash of steamed milk. 

Because the drink only uses a little milk, it tends to have a more robust flavor than other milk-based espresso drinks. Additionally, because the beverage only has two ingredients, customers tend to get a smaller portion, typically 1 1/4 oz. 

Nutritional Information 

The size of the drink and its minimal use of milk play a substantial role in the beverage's caloric content and other nutritional factors. The minimal use of milk results in fewer calories than other espresso-based drinks, making it a healthier option for those who do not like black coffee.

Caffeine 

Depending on the size of your macchiato, the drink might have around 80 mg or more of caffeine. As most American portions are larger than traditional servings, a macchiato might have as many as 120 mg.

Benefits

Macchiato has several potential benefits. While most coffee drinkers will know that regular coffee has several health benefits, they can underestimate the advantages of this espresso-based drink. Some of these benefits include: 

  • Blood pressure control 
  • Increased or improved concentration 
  • Improved energy and feelings of wellness 

However, as beneficial as a macchiato can be in moderation, drinking too much can lead to problems. It is necessary to find a balance, so you do not overindulge.

What Is a Latte?

The common term for a latte is a Caffe latte or translated as a milk coffee. The drink calls for topping espresso with steamed milk, followed by foamed or frothed milk. It is a creamier concoction. 

Because of the construction of a latte, coffee shops can offer several varieties of the drink, such as caramel or chocolate. Additionally, baristas can use dairy or vegan milk, like almond or oat.  

Calories

By design, a latte contains more calories than a macchiato. The amount of milk used in the drink creates a larger beverage and contributes to its caloric heft. In comparison, a macchiato is a healthier choice.

Caffeine 

While some lattes can contain as few as 80 mg of caffeine, most have around 120 mg because of their size. Essentially, the caffeine content relates to size and ingredients.

Benefits 

As with every coffee beverage, a latte offers some benefits. For those interested, a latte can: 

  • Prevent diabetes 
  • Reduce risks of cardiovascular disorders 
  • Improve skin health

Which Drink Is Healthier?

A macchiato has fewer calories and typically less caffeine than a traditional latte. However, because of the variations and sizes offered at coffee shops, it is possible caffeine levels might be equivalent. Still, a macchiato is the healthier choice in terms of calorie content. 

Which coffee drink is your drink of choice? 

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Coconut: The Benefits and Why You Should Eat More

The product of the coconut palm tree, the coconut, is a tasty and nutritious fruit. You can find coconut in various forms in grocery stores, including:

  • Water 
  • Milk 
  • Meat 
  • Oil

While native to Southeast Asia, the coconut tree is naturally widespread, and its fruit is globally sourced. From the plant's flavor to its increasing culinary uses, coconut is becoming a global dietary sensation. However, dieters only recently began to appreciate the fruit for its various benefits.

Nutritional Advantages of Coconut 

Coconut is not like other fruits. Many fruits are high in carbs and low in fat, but coconut is the opposite. Additionally, the hard-shelled fruit contains protein, minerals, and B vitamins. Some of the minerals of value found in coconuts include:

  • Manganese 
  • Copper 
  • Iron

The minerals found in coconuts are vital to bone health and metabolism. Specifically, the mineral manganese helps in the digestion of cholesterol, carbohydrates, and proteins. Also, copper and iron help produce selenium and red blood cells.

Finally, the fat in coconuts is healthier than other fats. The type of fat is a form of medium-chain triglycerides. MCTs provide a rapid form of energy that is absorbed and converted directly from the small intestine. More research is necessary to understand the specific benefits of MCTs.

Surprising Benefits of Coconut

Besides the nutritional advantages of coconut, there are other benefits to consider. Coconut oil is one of the most versatile substances, with uses as skin moisturizers and hair conditioners. Still, the fruit itself has three interesting benefits that are often overlooked.

1. Antioxidants

While many benefits of coconut are hypothetical, one thing is true: coconuts contain powerful antioxidants. Coconut meat can protect cells against oxidative stress because it contains phenolic compounds, specifically:

  • Caffeic acid 
  • Gallic acid 
  • P-coumaric acid 
  • Salicylic acid 

The specific antioxidants in coconut are polyphenol antioxidants. Coconut antioxidants can protect against cellular damage and chronic disease.

2. Blood Sugar Control

Because coconuts are high in fat and fiber and low in carbohydrates, the fruit may help control blood sugar levels. The high fiber content of coconut meat can slow digestion and possibly improve insulin levels, which can help people manage blood sugar levels. However, not all reports are as praising, with some research suggesting coconut fat can increase long-term insulin resistance. Essentially, more research is needed to understand how coconut and its products can help with blood sugar control.

3. Antibacterial Properties

Some research indicates that coconut oil can inhibit the growth of certain bacteria. For example, one study showed that when coconut oil was added to test tubes with Staphylococcus aureus, the oil slowed or eliminated further bacterial growth. Several similar studies seem to perpetuate the idea of coconut oil as an antibacterial agent, but more research is necessary for proof of concept for human use.

How To Incorporate More Coconut Into Your Diet 

Incorporating more coconut into your diet need not be difficult. Several easy ways to incorporate the beneficial fruit include:

  • Shredded coconut  
  • Coconut flour 
  • Flaked or shaved coconut 
  • Coconut oil

Coconut is a healthy and often underrated fruit. The combination of healthy fat, fiber, and low carbs makes it an incredible addition to any diet. Still, before incorporating new foods into your diet or making significant changes, you should consult your primary care physician.

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The Best Mood-Boosting Bedtime Snacks

Are you waking up feeling tired, irritable or sad? You should try eating a healthy nighttime snack. It can help you sleep better at night and wake up happy.

What’s the secret to the sleep-enhancing, smile-unleashing effects of certain foods? They contain calming natural compounds: tryptophan, serotonin and melatonin. With a little help from these three, your brain feels like it’s on a relaxing vacation.

Almonds and Almond Butter

All nuts contain healthy protein, and almonds come packed with an added benefit: tryptophan. Munching on high-protein snacks before bedtime is a great idea because it helps you sleep more soundly, encourages tissue repair and increases fat burning while you rest.

With a serotonin boost from eating almonds, you wake rejuvenated and energized. Almonds also have selenium, an important mineral for avoiding depression.

Bananas

Everyone loves bananas, and it turns out that bananas love you back. These feel-good fruits can double your body’s melatonin levels, and they’re a rich source of serotonin and magnesium. Plus, bananas are filling, so you don’t wake up as hungry in the morning.

Tart Cherry Juice or Dried Tart Cherries

Tart cherries can make a big difference in tryptophan levels in the blood. Some people love the sour flavor and drink a glass of juice before bed. If you need some sweetness, add 1/3 cup dried tart cherries to Greek yogurt for a major shot of melatonin.

Blueberries, Raspberries and Strawberries

Berries are one of the best foods for mental performance and mood no matter what time of day. They make great snacks morning, afternoon and night.

According to one study, the purple antioxidants from berries can reduce your risk of depression by almost 40%! If you want to enjoy less stress and anxiety, make sure to add these delicious fruits to your grocery list.

Kiwifruit

Kiwis are one of the only fruits that contain serotonin in spades. They can do wonders for your mood:

  • Help you relax
  • Make you feel sleepy
  • Increase the amount of time you stay asleep
  • Boost sleep quality
  • Promote positive feelings

The next time you find yourself tossing and turning, get up and slice up a kiwifruit or two. They’re the perfect size.

Pistachios

Did you know that a handful of pistachios has more melatonin than some over-the-counter sleep aids? Many products max out at 5 grams of melatonin. Pistachios pack 6.5 grams of mood-boosting melatonin for sleep into just 160 calories!

Milk Smoothies With Fruit or Protein

Milk and other dairy foods have a large amount of tryptophan, which helps your body produce more serotonin. As long as these foods don’t cause you digestive discomfort, they’re a perfect choice for a healthy nighttime snack. A milk smoothie with frozen fruit or nut butter gives you lots of protein and other vitamins, too.

Cheese and (Healthy) Carbs

The mixture of cheese and nutritious carbs can have a big effect on tryptophan levels and serotonin production. Unfortunately, carbs can make you gain weight if you overdo it at night. Pair a portion of cheese with a slice of whole-grain toast, some whole-grain crackers or a bowl of popcorn and you'll be just fine.

Create Tasty Snack Combinations

The great thing about these healthy foods is that mixing and matching them is a breeze. Add a banana to your smoothie. Eat Greek yogurt with pistachios. Make trail mix with dried tart cherries. The stars are the limit.

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6 Supplement Categories To Add To Your Diet

Health or dietary supplements remain somewhat controversial, with many experts explaining their necessity and others claiming you get everything you need from diet alone. However, diet is not universal. It is impossible to understand if everyone is getting the nutrients they need from what they consume without inspecting their intake. Blanket statements that make general assumptions about populations fail to address specific needs within communities. 

While this article will not resolve the debate over supplements, it aims to address specific vitamins and minerals that can help support a system. The primary takeaway should not be that supplements are necessary or unnecessary, but rather they balance an already nutrient-dense diet.

1. Skin Health

Skin damage occurs because of sun exposure, lifestyle, and dietary choices. Poor diet or smoking can cause premature aging, as can prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays. Several vitamins have shown potential for improving skin conditions and reducing wrinkles, including vitamins A, C, and E. Additionally, some topical treatments that include collagen can benefit the skin, helping to repair damage and improve elasticity.

2. Bone Health

Vitamin D is known for its skeletal health benefits. Many people can get their vitamin D requirements by spending between 15 and 20 minutes outside every day without sunscreen. Unfortunately, most people, up to 95% or more, do not spend adequate time outdoors, meaning they might be deficient. If you don’t spend enough time outside, consider taking a vitamin D supplement, at least 400 to 800 IU per day.

3. Eye Health

As people age, eye health can deteriorate. There are many contributing factors, from genetics to diet and exposure. Antioxidants can help protect the eyes from damage, including problems caused by inflammation and free radicals. Vitamins A and C and lutein and zeaxanthin can help protect your vision. These supplements can contribute to cornea, macula, and lens health throughout your life.

4. Gut Health

The gut microbiome is a delicate system, and while it is often OK on its own, illness and medications can interfere with the production and health of good bacteria. Good gut bacteria help to produce and distribute vitamins and enzymes. These bacteria also help to crowd out harmful bacteria and destroy them.

When looking for a probiotic supplement, you want to pay attention to the CFUs on the label. The most effective probiotic supplements will have a minimum of 50 billion CFUs and strain diversity. Some of the strains to look for include:

  • Lactobacillus Plantarum
  • Bacillus clausii
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum
  • Lactobacillus acidophilus
  • Bacillus subtillis
  • Lactobacillus bulgaricus

5. Inflammation Response

Omega-3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements might fight inflammation. While it is widely understood that eating fatty fish, such as salmon or mackerel, is the best source of omega-3s, specifically EPA and DHA, some people have a natural aversion to seafood. For those who can’t eat fish several times per week, consider taking supplements, about 1,000 milligrams daily.

Vitamins A, C, and E can also reduce the inflammation response by counteracting hormonal responses and managing blood sugar levels. However, before taking any supplement, talk to your primary care physician about which supplements are safe for you to take.

6. Energy and Mental Health

B vitamins are vital to cellular processes and mental health and endurance. A deficiency can lead to increased anxiety and reduced energy levels, leading to fatigue. Many people deficient in B vitamins are often on plant-based diets; although, even meat-eaters can struggle to absorb enough.

What vitamins and supplements do you take if any? Leave a comment below explaining why you do or do not take supplements, and help move the conversation forward.

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Wearable Weights: Should You Include Them in Your Workouts

Fitness and exercise are two frequent resolutions people make with themselves. However, fitting the gym into your busy schedule is often a challenge, which is why many people suggest workouts that feel less like workouts and more like having fun, so you feel motivated to do them. Cycling and swimming are two of the most popular forms of fun fitness. You can also opt for incognito fitness or exercise with wearable weights.

4 Benefits of Using Wearable Weights

Wearable weights allow for low-key workouts. They can also add to the complexity of a typical routine. For instance, a weighted vest can add a level of resistance to your aerobic activity. You may want to try wearable weights for four reasons or benefits.

1. Weight Loss

The use of wrist and ankle weights requires the use of more energy during physical activity. Using more energy during a workout equates to burning more calories and greater weight loss.

Also, wearable weights will help build more muscles. Muscle burns calories even when the body is at rest. Muscle also burns more calories than other tissues.

2. Muscle Building

Wearable weights create more resistance during workouts, which means you will build more muscle mass with consistent use. The beauty of wearable weights is that they do not interfere with normal movement, meaning you can easily incorporate them into daily activities. For example, it is nothing to put on a pair of ankle weights before going out for an evening walk.

3. Endurance or Stamina

The American Council on Exercise claims that wrist weights can increase your heart rate and raise oxygen consumption. The increases can eventually improve your stamina or endurance during aerobic exercises. However, ACE does not recommend using weights over three pounds because the strain on the shoulders, back, and other body parts can cause discomfort.

4. Workout Challenge

Many people add wearable weights to their regular workouts to increase the challenge. Some people will add weights to improve specific things, like balance, flexibility, movement, etc. Whatever the reasons, wearable weights add a level of complexity to a standard exercise, allowing people to achieve new and motivating results.

Types of Wearable Weights

There are three primary types of wearable weights: ankle weights, wrist weights, and weighted vests. Ankle weights were popular, but many people find they hinder athletic performance. For example, the weights may interfere with a runner's stride, increasing the risks of injury.

Wrist weights are still popular because they provide the same level of resistance as ankle weights without the risks. However, some people get carried away with the weights, increasing the weight to more than three pounds, which is potentially dangerous.

A weighted vest is the best option if you want something heavier than a few pounds. The vest option uses the whole torso to support the extra weight, evenly distributing it to reduce the risk of injury.

You do not need wearable weights to lose weight or gain muscle. That said, the weights are a helpful tool. If you are looking for ways to add resistance to your workout or increase the difficulty of some standard exercise, wearable weights might be your solution. Before adding the weights, you may want to consult your doctor to figure out if the weights are a healthy option for you.

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Supplement and Prescription Interactions: 4 Supplements To Avoid

Many people take supplements to ensure they meet nutritional guidelines. Often, you can take supplements, such as a multivitamin, without little concern. Still, many people take supplements while taking prescription medications. While potential interactions are rare, several supplements do not mix well with medications.

Before taking any supplement, you should talk to your doctor, even if you are not on any medications. However, talking with your physician is more crucial when taking a prescription. There are at least four supplements you should avoid when taking specific medications.

1. Turmeric

Turmeric is an ancient spice. Many nutritionists and researchers praise the supplement for a few reasons, including:

  • Improved memory 
  • Reduced inflammation 
  • Decreased risk of heart disease

Unfortunately, turmeric also possesses anticoagulant effects. If you take a blood thinner, you want to avoid turmeric because it can result in internal bleeding. You should also avoid vitamin E and Ginkgo Biloba, two supplements that can also thin the blood.

Still, experts explain that turmeric is still acceptable to use in foods and cooking. Doctors and researchers do not believe herbs and spices have much effect on the body when used in foods.

2. St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort comes from a flowering shrub that is native to Europe. The supplement is often praised for its ability to treat moderate or mild depression. Additionally, many women use it to reduce symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes.

Despite the usefulness and potential effectiveness of the supplement, St. John's Wort does not mix well with many prescriptions. Some of the many medications the supplement interacts with include:

  • omeprazole 
  • alprazolam 
  • Birth control pills 
  • Hormone replacement therapies 
  • Some statins 
  • Some antihistamines 
  • Paxlovid

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a common nutrient in various foods. A person can meet all vitamin C requirements by consuming:

  • Broccoli 
  • Strawberries 
  • Tomatoes 
  • Oranges 
  • Kiwi 
  • Bell peppers 
  • Kale 
  • Snow peas

Despite the number of natural sources of vitamin C, many people still take supplements. Supplements are popular because people believe the additional vitamin C can ward off the common cold and reduce the risk of cancer.

Unfortunately, high-dose vitamin C supplements can interfere with some forms of chemotherapy. Additionally, the supplements can disrupt the effectiveness of niacin and statins. Some people will also experience a disruption in estrogen levels.

4. Probiotics

Probiotics are essentially good bacteria that make up the gut microbiome. People take probiotic supplements to restore balance to the microbiome and aid digestion. Still, while probiotic supplements might be good for most people, they can interfere with certain medications, specifically antibiotics.

Doctors strongly recommend that patients stay away from probiotic supplements when taking antibiotics. More specifically, physicians tell patients not to take a probiotic supplement within two hours of taking their medication.

Supplements can help you maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Still, taking the wrong supplement can result in problematic interactions with your prescriptions. Your primary care physician should know what you are taking, including supplements. If you feel that some nutrients are missing or lacking in your diet, your doctor can point you toward safe and effective supplements or foods that can help without risking your health.

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Enjoy Fall All Year Long With These 3 Sweet Recipes

Everyone knows the fall is all about sweet treats, which nutritionists often tell you to avoid. However, there is nothing wrong with a bit of indulgence now and again if you maintain control.  

The problem with autumn treats is they only come around once a year, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Some fall recipes are just as delicious throughout the year. Why not allow your sweet tooth a taste all year long?

1. Apple Fritter Bites

Hailing from Say Yes contributor Brittany, these apple fritter bites are easy to make, light on the stomach, and delicious. The best part, you can whip up about two dozen of these tiny, golden joys in 30 minutes.

Ingredients:

  • 2 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and cubed)
  • 2 Beaten eggs
  • 2 Tablespoons melted butter
  • 2 Teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 Teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ Teaspoon salt
  • ⅔ Cup milk
  • 1 ½ Cups flour
  • ¼ Cup granulated sugar
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Glaze Ingredients:

  • ¼ Cup milk
  • 1 Cup powdered sugar
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • ¼ Teaspoon vanilla

Instructions:

  1. Using a pan or fryer, heat the oil to 350° Fahrenheit. Mix the baking powder, sugar, flour, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
  2. Using another bowl, beat the eggs and add milk and vanilla, mixing thoroughly. Combine dry and wet ingredients, folding to a thick, nearly-combined consistency.
  3. Then, add the melted butter and apples to the mixture.
  4. Place 1 tablespoon of batter into the heated oil. Allow the batter to remain in the oil until golden brown.
  5. Remove the fritter from the oil and place it on a paper towel to drain. Finally, dip the warm cakes in the glaze. Let the fritter sit for about 30 minutes before eating for the best results.

2. Pumpkin Loaf Cake

Coming from Ashley over at Sugar & Cloth, this pumpkin loaf cake is a Thanksgiving treat that is sure to give you those warm feelings all year long. The recipe makes a 9-inch loaf.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ¾ Cups all-purpose, unbleached flour
  • 1 Cup canned pure pumpkin
  • ½ Cup room temperature, unsalted butter
  • 1 ¼ Cups Sugar
  • ⅓ Cup whole milk
  • 1 Teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 Teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 Teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ Teaspoon salt
  • 3 Large eggs

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  2. Sift the flour, pumpkin pie spice, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a medium-sized bowl.
  3. Using a large bowl, either by hand or using a mixer, beat the butter smooth. Add in the eggs, sugar, vanilla, and pumpkin.
  4. Once the butter mixture is mixed thoroughly, add the dry ingredients, alternating with the milk.
  5. Pouring the batter into a 9-inch loaf pan, bake it for 55 minutes.

3. Hot Chocolate Popsicles

Who said hot chocolate was just for the colder weather? With this Paper & Stitch recipe, you can enjoy your favorite hot chocolate all year long.

Ingredients:

  • Milk
  • Small marshmallows
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Your favorite hot chocolate mix
  • Popsicle mold
  • Popsicle sticks

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the hot chocolate as instructed, but be sure to use milk, not water.
  2. While brewing the hot chocolate, place a few marshmallows into each popsicle mold. Pour the hot chocolate, filling each mold about a third of the way. Freeze for one hour.
  3. Remove from the freezer, add popsicle sticks, and a thin layer of chocolate syrup. Add more hot chocolate. Freeze and repeat once more.
  4. Freeze thoroughly and enjoy.
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5 Ways To Quickly Reduce the Appearance of Cellulite

Cellulite is as natural as gray hairs, crow’s feet and underarm “batwings.” And, like these three undeniable indicators of age, cellulite is less than welcome. If you are among the 85% of women who seem to develop just a bit more cellulite with each passing birthday, and if you’re tired of feeling a sense of dread every time you check out your bum, stomach or thighs in the mirror, rest assured in the knowledge that cellulite does not have to be forever. With a few easy tricks, you can reduce the appearance of cellulite and go out into the world with confidence once again.

1.    Drink Your Daily 8 Cups

Dehydration can cause even the most taut areas of your body to appear wrinkled and saggy, so it makes sense that, when dehydrated, areas of cellulite appear more pronounced. By starting each day with just half a liter of water and consuming up to three liters per day, you can drastically reduce the appearance of dimpled skin. Rumor has it that if you add two to three lemons to your first glass of water, or by swallowing a teaspoon of apple cider first thing in the morning, you can kickstart the benefits.

2.    Massage the Cellulite Away

Cellulite is often the result of fluid buildup in the lymph nodes in the areas around the dimpled skin. By massaging on and around the areas of cellulite, you can encourage lymphatic draining and, in the process, reduce the appearance of cellulite. Massage can also help stretch the skin and make it appear firmer.

3.    Maintain a Healthy Diet

Despite popular belief, weight and cellulite are not directly related. However, low metabolism and cellulite are. By eating a healthy diet that is rich in leafy greens, whole grains, fibrous foods and other nutritious substances — and by avoiding salt, sugary beverages and processed foods — you can speed up your metabolism and reduce the severity of dimpled skin.

As a bonus, a healthy diet can help you reduce your body fat and achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Though, as already stated, there is not a direct correlation between weight and cellulite, increased muscle tone can diminish the bumpy appearance of fat cells and make your skin look firm and smooth.

4.    Use a Homemade Coffee Scrub

Coffee contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. As such, research suggests that, when applied topically, it can help reduce low-grade inflammation and improve blood flow, two outcomes that can help diminish the appearance of cellulite. If you’re a coffee drinker, set aside your used grounds each morning in a jar or a plastic bag. The next time you shower, use a loofa, washcloth or old toothbrush, and massage the coffee grounds into the problem areas. Let them soak in and really get to work while you wash your face, lather your hair, etc. Then, rinse off as normal.

Another homemade scrub that has promise as a quick cellulite treatment is the coffee, raw honey and cucumber juice mixture. Mix these three ingredients until you form a thick paste, then apply to the problem areas a few minutes before you hop in the shower.

5.    Use Self-Tanner

Though not a permanent fix, tanning lotion can help hide fine lines, wrinkles and cellulite. If you’re only concerned about cellulite when you wear certain outfits, use self-tanners to blur its appearance for the day.

Cellulite is completely natural, but that doesn’t mean it’s always welcome. Whether you want to hide it for a day or get rid of it completely, give the above five tricks a try.